Wellhead removal apparatus and method

Abstract

Apparatus for use with a waterjet pump, a wellhead projecting above ground and a casing disposed below ground, the casing defining a longitudinal axis, the apparatus comprising, in use: a mount coupled to the wellhead; a platform coupled to the mount for rotation about a spin axis coincident with the longitudinal axis; a carrier coupled to the platform for rotation therewith, the carrier extending from an end disposed adjacent the platform, through the spin axis, to an end disposed adjacent the casing; a nozzle to which the carrier extends, which is coupled to the pump and which is directed radially with respect to the spin axis; a mechanism for causing the carrier to rotate; and an arrangement supporting the carrier for pivotal movement about a pivot axis perpendicular to the spin axis such that the nozzle is held in cutting position to the casing during rotation, to sever said casing.

1 . Apparatus for use with a waterjet pump coupled to a supply of cutting fluid and with a well remnant, the well remnant having a head portion projecting above the ground and a tubular casing portion disposed within the ground, the casing defining a longitudinal axis, the apparatus comprising:
 a mount coupled in use to the head portion;   a platform rotatably coupled in use to the mount for rotation about a spin axis substantially parallel to and coincident with the longitudinal axis;   an elongate nozzle carrier coupled to the platform for rotation therewith, the carrier extending from a fixed end disposed adjacent the platform, through the spin axis, to a terminal end disposed adjacent the tubular casing;   a nozzle to which the nozzle carrier extends, which is coupled in use to the waterjet pump and which is directed substantially radially with respect to the spin axis;   a mechanism for causing the carrier to rotate in use; and   an arrangement supporting the nozzle carrier for pivotal movement about an pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the spin axis, the arrangement being such that the nozzle is held in cutting position to the casing during said rotation, to sever said casing.